HC Deb 23 June 1851 vol 117 cc1121-2

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

MR. HUME

opposed the second reading of so important a Bill at so late an hour. It was a most extraordinary measure, as it went to confiscate the free sittings in churches, and he hoped the second reading would not now be pressed.

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, the Bill had emanated from a Parliamentary Commission. One of the clauses did subject a portion of the free sittings to payment; and, after communication with the Earl of Carlisle, who conducted it through the other House, he hoped to make some alteration in it before going to Committee. If the hon. Gentleman would now consent to the second reading, he would state the nature of those alterations before the next stage of the Bill.

MR. FREWEN

hoped that the right hon. Baronet would not press the second reading of the Bill at this late hour—half-past twelve.

VISCOUNT DUNCAN

said, there were a number of objections to the Bill. Many of his constituents had subscribed to the building of churches on the understanding that the seats were to be rent free, whereas this Bill would have the opposite effect.

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, he had understood his noble Friend to express his entire satisfaction with the measure.

MR. SIDNEY HERBERT

said, this was a measure of practical reform, which was greatly needed, and great anxiety was felt in the manufacturing districts concern- ing it. He thought the sooner they went into Committee the better.

MR. HUME

moved, that the debate be now adjourned.

MR. AGLIONBY

hoped the right hon. Baronet would not press the House to a division. The principle of the Bill was to take away the free seats that had been subscribed for.

SIR GEORGE GREY

hoped the House would have consented to the second reading. His noble Friend (Viscount Duncan) had certainly given him the impression that he approved of the measure.

VISCOUNT DUNCAN

explained, that he had only expressed his opinion on the first clause.

SIR GEORGE GREY

then moved the adjournment of the debate till To-morrow at Twelve o'clock.

Debate adjourned till To-morrow.